I think the Clearwater II are the best value rods on the market today. Just compare with a St Croix or a Sage <$200 rod, and the Orvis is way better in every way.
I've had no "chipping" probs with my Clearwater.
I like Orvis so much, I'm going to purchase a Helios soon!

__________________

"People are crazy, times are strange"
"I'm locked in tight, I'm out of range"
"I used to care, but things have changed"
- Dylan

Hmm, Orvis Clearwater... It was my first rod with 'life time' warranty, older version 905-4. I wanted wt4, but they stopped production such light weight rods in this cheap series so I took this in Mid Flex and have to say, thanks to it's durable finish it lasts till now without need to try their service All it needed was little bit of bee wax to keep sections together all day casting.

Hmm, Orvis Clearwater... It was my first rod with 'life time' warranty, older version 905-4. I wanted wt4, but they stopped production such light weight rods in this cheap series so I took this in Mid Flex and have to say, thanks to it's durable finish it lasts till now without need to try their service All it needed was little bit of bee wax to keep sections together all day casting.

Thanks Siri

Good to hear that this rod series hold up!!

__________________
DavoMy worst day on the water beats my best day anywhere else hands down!!

Well I finally made it out for my first day fishing here in Wyoming. The water cleared up on the Green finally so the boss and I head down to try our luck. The fish did not cooperate as much as we'd have liked but we caught a couple and I had the chance to try out my new rods.

The Clearwater II 9' 6wt Mid Flex was an absolute joy to cast. Throws line with ease. 50 - 60 foot cast with a nice easy stroke. Handled a very healthy 21" brown with no trouble at all. Casting big flies into the wind all day will not wear you out with this rod. It feels very light in your hand and packs the punch needed for Big water in a stiff wind. Has a great touch and more than enough back bone for fighting big fish while at the same time allowing for soft presentation of tiny flies to spooky fish. At the end of the day I was very happy with this purchase and know that my clients will be able cast these rods no problem, I just may have them use my old sage rods and keeps the Clearwater II rods for my personal use.

Here is a pic of my brown from the Green River yesterday.

__________________
DavoMy worst day on the water beats my best day anywhere else hands down!!